Role of Respiration and Malocclusion:A Review

Prevalence of Malocclusion has been increasingly reported. A proper diagnosis of the etiological factor is crucial to achieve a successfully completed treatment. Malocclusions have peculiar distribution of occurrence. This can be attributed to the geographical condition, developmental anomalies or habits that are acquired over time. A thorough investigation of the malocclusion, the reason for its development and others factors that could influence the treatment outcome should be analysed before starting any procedure. This review article specifically analyzes the role of respiration and how its alterations can result in the particular type of malocclusion. A proper understanding of the basic anatomy and physiological process, guides in clinical correlation of the aberration. Furthermore, other additional diagnostic method to assess the qualitativeness and quantitativeness of the type of respiratory disorder will aid in accurate diagnosis and various treatment modalities that can be included to eliminate this etiological factor in intercepting the malocclusion. Dentists maybe the first healthcare professionals to have contact with a mouth breathing child. Thus early detection and need for appropriate treatment can be made possible when there is a series of tests that can be implemented to assess the need for management.